Matheus Araújo - Brazilian History

11/11/2023Categories: Curiosities, Pre-Colonial

Discover the origin of the name Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, bathed in golden beaches and embraced by imposing mountains, is a symphony of contrasts. On one side, there’s the vibrant hustle of urban life, full of colors, rhythms, and an infectious energy. On the other, the serenity of natural landscapes that frame the city, such as the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue, silent witnesses of time. The unique blend of cultures and the contagious joy of the carioca people resonate in the streets, in the captivating sambas, and in the passion for football. It’s a place where life unfolds to the rhythm of the waves and the beats of the heart of those who surrender to the magic of the Marvelous City.

11/10/2023Categories: Republican, Today in Brazil, Vargas Era

Today in Brazil: Getúlio Vargas establishes the New State (Estado Novo) in Brazil

On November 10, 1937, Getúlio Vargas declared, in a nationwide radio address, that Brazil was under a new regime of government, the Estado Novo (New State). Characterized by the centralization of power, nationalism, anti-communism, and authoritarianism, the Estado Novo lasted until 1945 when Getúlio was overthrown by the Armed Forces.

11/07/2023Categories: Imperial, Independence

Women in the Brazilian Independence

The Independence of Brazil, one of the most significant chapters in the country’s history, was a multifaceted process that involved a variety of characters, events, and circumstances. While many iconic names, like Dom Pedro I and José Bonifácio, played a crucial role in this endeavor, the contribution of women in the fight for independence often goes unnoticed.

10/13/2023Categories: Colonial

The history of the portuguese crown commissioned in Rio de Janeiro

The Portuguese court was already in Rio de Janeiro, having fled from the Napoleonic troops, with Queen Maria passing away on March 20, 1816, and the Prince Regent, João VI, becoming the king. Unlike previous kings, who had been crowned shortly after the death of their predecessor, João VI chose to wait a year for his coronation ceremony.

10/11/2023Categories: Today in Brazil

Today in Brazil: The death of Renato Russo

Renato Russo, a singer, songwriter, bassist, and leader of Legião Urbana, passed away on October 11, 1996, in Rio de Janeiro, due to AIDS-related complications. Born on March 27, 1960, in Rio, he moved to Brasília at the age of nine. His musical career included stints with the band Aborto Elétrico and the iconic Legião Urbana, where he recorded nine albums. Renato also released three solo works.

10/09/2023Categories: Curiosities

Homeland of Mine: The Story of Vinicius de Moraes’ Poem

The story of the poem begins in João Cabral de Melo Neto’s private press in 1949. This poem is what was then called a “plaquete” (or booklet). The publication consists of a single, long poem by Vinicius. Friends since 1942, when Vinicius visited Recife with Waldo Frank, the two diplomats from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs corresponded frequently during that time. It was a period when Vinicius was still in Los Angeles, and João Cabral was in Barcelona.

10/05/2023Categories: Imperial, Reviews

Mauá: Businessman of the Empire | Review

The book Mauá: Businessman of the Empire is a biography written by Jorge Caldeira that narrates the life and journey of Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, better known as Viscount of Mauá. Published in 1995, the book offers a detailed insight into the life and achievements of this important Brazilian historical figure of the 19th century.

10/04/2023Categories: Curiosities, Republican

The history of the song The Girl from Ipanema

The song The Girl from Ipanema began when Tom Jobim asked Vinicius de Moraes to write the lyrics for one of his compositions. Vinicius was inspired by Helô Pinheiro, an 18-year-old girl they used to see in Ipanema, buying cigarettes for her parents or simply walking past Bar Veloso, where they spent time drinking whiskey.

10/03/2023Categories: Abolition of Slavery, Imperial

Lo Schiavo – Carlos Gomes’ Abolitionist Opera

Antônio Carlos Gomes, born in Campinas and considered the greatest composer of operas in the Americas, was a fervent admirer of Verdi. Some say that at the age of eighteen, he composed a march based on themes from Il Trovatore. With the support of Emperor Dom Pedro II, Carlos Gomes received a scholarship to further his studies in Europe. The Emperor would have preferred Carlos Gomes to go to Germany, where the great Richard Wagner was prominent, but the Empress, Dona Teresa Cristina, Neapolitan herself, suggested Italy.

10/01/2023Categories: Republican, Today in Brazil

Today in Brazil: Pelé’s last professional match

On October 1, 1977, Pelé bid his official farewell to professional football while playing for the New York Cosmos, a team in the NASL of the United States, against Santos, the Brazilian club where he achieved fame and success.